The Prosperity Lounge

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo talks with Lisa Yount (Co-Founder) and Julie Scruggs (Executive Director) of Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee about the Tennessee Safe Haven Law and its impact on community care, family well-being, and prosperity.

Discover how this law — updated in July 2025 to allow 45 days for safe surrender — is saving lives and providing mothers in crisis with a confidential and judgment-free option. We’ll explore the difference between Safe Haven Baby Boxes and in-person surrenders, highlight the emotional and support services available for families, and address common misconceptions about Safe Haven surrenders.

Prosperity involves protecting our most vulnerable and investing in strong communities by promoting informed choices and compassionate support. Don’t miss out on how you can make a difference

Visit http://www.asecretsafeplacetn.org for more info

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What if the lowest point in your life wasn’t the end — but the beginning of your greatest purpose?

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jessica Strunk — known by many as Gracie’s mom from Baked by Grace and as a top producer in East Tennessee real estate. But behind her success is a powerful story of faith, recovery, and encouragement.

Jessica shares:

• What life looked like at rock bottom during her battle with addiction and despair

• How family, faith, and perseverance pulled her back from the edge

• The long but rewarding road to recovery and personal growth

• Why she now lives to encourage others and help them see their true worth

Along the way, Joey draws parallels between his own journey out of $370,000 in debt and Jessica’s road to recovery — showing how struggles, whether financial or personal, can leave you feeling isolated and hopeless. But there’s always a way forward.

This conversation blends raw honesty with hope, resilience, and encouragement — reminding us all that freedom, prosperity, and personal growth are always possible.

🎧 Join the conversation and access free resources at: TheProsperityLounge.com

debt, small business, money mindset, business growth, prosperity, personal finance, money management, business strategies, budgeting tips, personal growth, personal development, leadership, financial wellness, financial wellness tips, financial coach, expert business, small business growth, business coach, wealth building, money tips, financial strategies, side hustling, financial insights, financial coaching, community, community spotlight, leadership spotlight, financial podcast, recovery story, encouragement, overcoming adversity, faith journey, addiction recovery, resilience

In this Community Spotlight episode of The Prosperity Lounge, we explore how Dog Daze IX is doing more than entertaining crowds — it’s driving small business growth and strengthening community connections.

Every August, Farragut, TN transforms into the splashiest spot in East Tennessee as this nationally sanctioned DockDogs International event takes over the Village Green Shopping Center. With over 150 canine athletes competing and more than 10,000 fans cheering, it’s a weekend packed with excitement — and opportunity — for local businesses.

Joey Ruffalo sits down with Steve Krempasky of Shop Farragut and Jennifer Belle of Smoky Mountain DockDogs to discuss the economic impact of events like this, and how business owners can leverage them for visibility, connection, and growth.

💡 You’ll also get financial wellness tips on turning community events into profitable opportunities, helping you ensure prosperity in your own neighborhood. Whether you’re a small business owner, event organizer, or community leader, you’ll find practical insights to help you grow and thrive.

📅 August 15–17, 2025
📍 Village Green Shopping Center, Farragut, TN
🎟 Free and open to the public

🔗 Learn more:

• ShopFarragut.com

• SmokyMountainDockDogs.com

• TheProsperityLounge.com

In Part 1, Kent Morrell shared his 6,821-day struggle with chronic pain—and the miraculous healing that changed everything.

Now in Part 2, we explore what comes after the breakthrough.

Joined by his wife Jennifer, Kent shares how healing brought new questions, deeper purpose, and the unexpected weight of surviving what others didn’t. Together, they reflect on faith, marriage, identity, and learning to live every day like a bonus.

You’ll hear about:

• The first days of life without pain

• Jennifer’s experience as a long-time caregiver and now partner in purpose

• Spiritual wrestling and survivor’s guilt

• Finding hope in “Silent Saturday” seasons

• The difference between getting better… and becoming whole

This isn’t just the next chapter. It’s the reason for the miracle.

What happens when you just keep showing up in the context of financial wellness and community leadership?

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo, engages with Knox County Commission Vice Chair Kim Frazier to explore how presence, purpose, and persistence can significantly impact wellness and community growth. From her small-town origins to become a community-first leader, Kim shares insights on leading with intention — even in uncomfortable situations. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial strategies, inspire personal growth, or get involved in community development, this conversation will challenge and motivate you to step up, speak out, and serve with purpose.

Why leadership doesn’t require a title

The power of presence in parenting and public service

How local advocacy influences personal wellness and leads to lasting change

Practical ways to get involved in your own community

Tune in now — and uncover how the simple act of showing up can open unexpected doors toward financial prosperity.

What happens when chronic pain controls your life for 6,821 days — and then, in a single moment, it’s gone?

In this powerful episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Kent Morrell shares how a life-altering accident, 52 spine procedures, and a failing medical system led him to the brink of giving up. But on Memorial Day 2019, everything changed.

🎙️ Tune in to hear:

• The accident that changed everything

• How Kent’s darkest night brought him to a miraculous turning point

• What “Bonus Day 2,245” really means

• Why Kent got off the couch and into public service

• How faith, family, and purpose gave him a new mission

This isn’t just a story about pain — it’s a story about hope, resilience, and what happens when you believe there’s more ahead.

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Would You Take Business Advice from a 20-Year-Old that Leads 1,400 People? You Should!

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, discover how financial wellness and leadership intersect as Joey Ruffalo sits down with Adilynn Walker, Regimental Commander of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. At just 20 years old, Adilynn leads over 1,400 cadets — and her leadership lessons are a must-hear for every business owner, entrepreneur, or team leader.

Rooted in the values of pride, fortitude, transparency, and mentorship, Adilynn’s approach doesn’t just strengthen team culture — it supports long-term financial wellness and strategic growth.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why pride is the foundation of your business culture

• How to build fortitude when motivation fades

• The role of mentorship in developing resilience

• Why transparent leadership is essential for long-term trust

• How discomfort and failure often lead to the biggest breakthroughs

Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or mentoring the next generation, this episode will give you a fresh, empowering perspective on what it really means to grow — financially and personally.

🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
📜 Download the Declaration of Financial Freedom: theprosperitylounge.com/freedom
📊 Try the Prosperity Planner free for 30 days + join the community: theprosperitylounge.com

In this special July 4th episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo gets personal.

He opens with a powerful tribute to his father, Joseph J. Ruffalo Jr., a Vietnam War veteran, community leader, and advocate for the blind. You’ll hear Joey’s dad read the poem “It’s the Veteran” and learn how his life shaped Joey’s views on freedom, finances, and faith.

Then, Joey dives into the Declaration of Independence, pulling out 5 key phrases and showing how they still apply today — not just to nations, but to your daily life.

This episode will help you:

• Understand what real financial freedom looks like (it’s not about yachts)

• Identify the three stages of financial freedom: Stability, Security, and Choice

• Walk through your own Declaration of Financial Independence using a free worksheet

• Shift from reacting to your money… to leading it with clarity and purpose

You’ll also hear real listener questions answered with real-world guidance.

📥 Download your free worksheet
👉 www.TheProsperityLounge.com/freedom

🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Until next time, stay faithful. Stay fearless.
Freedom lives where faith and action meet.
The Lounge is always open.

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo talks with Whitney Holliday, owner of Camp Honey Coffee in Knoxville, TN. Whitney shares how she left a stressful job, faced burnout, and started a new business with purpose.

They talk about money mindset, taking risks, and building a small business from the ground up — even without a detailed plan. You’ll hear real talk about budgeting, community, and how business can be part of healing.

Whether you’re looking for small business growth, budgeting tips, or financial coaching ideas, this story will inspire you to take the next step toward your own version of prosperity.

📍 Topics include:

• Personal finance and burnout recovery

• Business strategies without big budgets

• How to grow a business with community in mind

• Financial wellness through ownership

• The power of mindset in starting over

🎙️ For more money tips and tools, visit TheProsperityLounge.com
📺 Watch the full show on YouTube or subscribe to the podcast

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, we explore the crucial connection between financial wellness and effective home maintenance with Brad Fleming, owner of HomeSmiles Knoxville. Financial wellness is essential for securing your financial future, and maintaining your home is a key part of that strategy. We delve into actionable budgeting tips and financial insights that empower listeners to protect their investments and avoid costly repairs that can derail your finances. Whether you’re in the process of buying a home, maintaining your current property, or looking to enhance your money mindset, these tips will guide you toward a prosperous and healthier financial future. Tune in for essential knowledge that bridges home upkeep with sound financial strategies!

Visit www.theprosperitylounge.com

Buy me a Coffee: https://coff.ee/prosperitylounge

HomeSmiles Knoxville https://homesmiles.com/location/homesmiles-knoxville/

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